Donovan Bare, 72, of Indianapolis, died on May 5, 2018. He was born in Terre Haute, IN on February 2, 1946 to Lucian and Mary Bare who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Pamela, his son Kyle of Fishers, daughter Erin Merrill (fiancé Aaron Koons) and granddaughter Grace all of Nobelsville, IN and sister Susan Sherwood (Bruce) of Indianapolis, sister-in-law Elaine Johnson (Sid) of Virginia, aunts Carolyn Fuson of Carmel, and Elizabeth Miller of Florida and several cousins and nieces. He graduated from Indiana Central College in 1968 and then with a Masters Degree from the IU School of Social Services in 1970. He worked as a clinical social worker at La Rue Carter Hospital, Director of Partial Hospitalization Program at Southern Hills Mental Health Center in Jasper, IN, manager of the Employee Assistance Program and then Director of Outpatient Services at the St. Vincent Stress Center. He was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and was a counselor for Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. He married Pamela in 1967 and they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Don enjoyed music throughout his life and was an avid IU basketball and Indianapolis Colts fan.
Services will be held on Monday May 14, 2018 at Indiana Funeral Care at 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Visitation from 11:00A to 1:00P with service immediately following. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to International Critical Incident Stress Foundation or a local food pantry of your choice.
Dan Endsley says
Don was a very good friend in high school. His big smile and robust, rich laugh was infectious. We reconnected in recent years and talked every few months. I’m so sorry for Don’s pain and suffering in the past few years. Cancer and the wear of back and leg problems on Don’s body are something no one should have to experience.
I will remember the good times and know that Don’s suffering has ended. He was a good person and will live in Glory, with no pain or suffering, for eternity.
Mark Ottesen says
I remember Don well from my years in Casey High School. He was a few years older than me, and I admired him. His sister Susan is my classmate. I pray for her and her family.
David Ewing says
What I remember about Don was a quick smile and a positive attitude
. Prayers for his wife and family. He was a good man.
Bonnie Fuson Smith says
Don was our cousin, just 2 years older than I. I loved Don and admired him my entire life. I’ve heard that “cousins are your first friends;” I believe that completely. #grateful for Don #grateful for our shared heritage
#grateful for our lifetime of memories
Betty L Rider says
Donnie Bill was the oldest of the ‘Rider cousins’. He was a hero to us – a football star, a music lover and a great guy who was always willing to play with us – the younger, annoying cousins. Don had such a great heart for others – he loved his family deeply – and worked in his career to help people.
He had an infectious laugh and quick smile. We had such great times visiting in Westfield and Casey growing up and later in Carmel. Don has always been a part of my life and will leave a ‘Don-shaped’ hole in my heart. Don’s dad Lucian Bare took pictures and movies of us growing up – my favorite is Easter of 1961 in Westfield. Don’s job was to help keep the 4 younger cousins together for a family picture – of course we kept running off and he chased us with a smile. Don’s mom Mary always had great food prepared for gatherings. Once she prepared ‘home-made’ macaroni and cheese – we were disappointed – we wanted the ‘box kind’!
Don and Pam’s wedding was great fun – more than 50 years ago! The love and devotion Pam gave to Don, especially in these last few years was a lesson for us all. It was like watching 1 Cor 13:7 in action: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Over the years one could observe what a fun loving couple they were. I will always remember when Kyle was born! My dad was as excited as Mary & Lucian were as they became grandparents. Then along came Miss Erin – who was also cherished. I was able to attend the state marching band competition when Kyle’s band won the state championship in Indianapolis. Don’s pride in Kyle’s accomplishment was over the moon. When granddaughter Grace was born – Don was so excited. Every time we spoke or visited he had a new story to tell, a new skill she had learned or charming episode from family time.
We will miss you Donnie Bill!
Margaret Davis from the Westfield Class of 1964 says
So sorry for the passing of Don. He was in our class at Westfield, Illinois and left us with lots of memories. Our prayers go out to Pam and their children.
Kimble Richardson says
During my tenure at St. Vincent, Don took me under his wing and helped to develop my crisis intervention skills. I took my first CISM training class shortly after meeting Don and later he and I took advanced CISM training together with Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Everly. He accepted me as a crisis team member and encouraged my participation in national CISM conferences. With Don’s introductions, I met many local and national leaders in crisis intervention and peer support. Later, I became an approved instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and now teach three CISM courses. Don helped me to feel confident as a young counselor back in the day. He was a great teacher and I was lucky to have been tutored by him. God bless Don Bare.